Lolis, They're Just the Best / Whose Successor?

"Pshaw! That's for the best."

Xing softly leaned against Cocolia, swinging her slender legs, and said indifferently.

Cocolia smiled and then changed the subject:

"Is it a bit lively outside? Are there any other guests?"

"Yes, Anna brought her friend."

"Friend... Oh, I remember Durandal has been leading the team in training in Southeast Asia these past few days, it must be her, right? Let's go out and take a look."

Cocolia stood up, but didn't put Anzu down. Like holding a beloved doll, she carried Anzu out the door.

"Well--"

Xing sighed, her eyes wide and lifeless.

Cocolia's love for sucking up to young girls is an incurable, terminal illness that can't be stopped; there's simply nothing that can be done about it.

Of course, Anne would never admit that she didn't dislike this excessive intimacy. On the contrary, for her, who had a tragic childhood, this kind of love, which seemed to fill all the voids of her childhood—in fact, every time, was very warm, as if she could melt into it.

"Anna, I'm so happy to see that you're doing so well at Anti-Entropy and have made so many friends."

"Not at all, it's all thanks to Lady Cocolia."

"That's true. Seeing you become the captain of the Iron Pilot Corps and do so well in Anti-Entropy, I think your uncle and aunt in Saniyat must be very pleased."

"Really? I think so too! But when I went home on vacation last time, they seemed really unhappy, like I'd done something wrong? I don't quite understand. Maybe it's because I've been working so much and haven't been able to see them much! Next time I go back to Europe, I'll bring them some Anti-Entropy souvenirs, hahaha!"

A girl with chestnut and blonde hair sat between Rosaliya, Liliya, and Chen Tianwen.

A group of young girls, both big and small, chatted and laughed, their smiles all sharing the same lively and cheerful spirit, brimming with untainted pure joy.

Chapter Six: Loli, she's amazing!

Although the head of the family Cocolia, and the head steward, Anne, didn't care much about outsiders, the Valkyrie of Schicksal had come from afar, so out of consideration for Anna, an unofficial member of the family, they allowed them to stay for dinner and overnight.

Yes, them, Rita was there too.

This Herrscher of the Regards herself couldn't wait to be inseparable from Durandal, so when she heard about the plan to visit the Loli's House—cough, I Cocolia's House—she naturally couldn't possibly miss it.

The trip proved to be worthwhile; just seeing Rosaliya, Liliya, and Chen Tianwen, three pure and adorable girls, made the trip worthwhile.

At that moment, she followed another spiky little cutie toward the kitchen.

"I usually only cook for my family. I only have two hands, and it's troublesome to cook for too many people. Although you are a guest, since you are a maid, I suppose you can help out in the kitchen, right?"

Xing crossed her arms and glanced sideways at the Valkyrie Destiny who had once tried to infiltrate the East Sea Base and was subsequently taken Schicksal by the mother and daughter.

Xing honed her culinary skills for her family; she only cooks for them for free, and she doesn't care about guests. She prefers to do as little work as possible so as not to tire herself out just for the sake of politeness.

Rita smiled gently, her face showing no trace of the lingering resentment from when the rapier had been pressed against her waist; instead, it held a hint of indulgence as she said:

"Please rest assured, Miss Xing, I have always been in charge of Durandal and Archbishop Yae Sakura's meals, so I should not disappoint you."

"That's good. It's a pity Ninti isn't here, otherwise we wouldn't need you."

"Does Lady Ninti also cook? I heard that she has left Earth and is now pursuing further evolution in the universe. I wonder what kind of power that is?"

"I heard from Iserin and Tesla that they're talking about developing the potential of Planet-class Honkai Beast... I don't understand it either. Besides, the Honkai is already over, so what's the point of messing around with all this nonsense? But there's nothing wrong with pursuing power. In the end, the stronger you are, the more choices you have!"

Xing scratched her head and shook it from side to side indifferently.

Her mature, adult-like tone, coupled with her concern for her younger sister, and her lively expressions and gestures, revealed her still-childish age.

Rita's heart softened at the sight, and even her breath felt hotter.

Lolis are so amazing!

In the living room.

Anna and Durandal sat obediently, watching Cocolia's happy expression as she held three little girls in her arms.

"Oh my!"

"Mommy, no! Let's go play with Sister Rosaliya!"

"Liliya, you traitor! Waaah!!!"

The three little ones tried in terror to escape their mother's iron grip, but to no avail. They could only watch Cocolia laughed and sucked on one of them, enjoying herself immensely—they looked terrified, but in reality, they were just laughing and giggling.

What child doesn't like their mother's affection?

Even if it's a little enthusiastic, there's never any dislike; it's more like a fun game.

After playing for a while, the three children nestled limply in Cocolia's arms, their faces beaming with happy smiles as they finished playing.

Cocolia lowered her head and stroked their heads, a gentle smile playing on her lips. This was different from a party; it was a different kind of joy, yet it was just as addictive, something she couldn't let go of.

Anna and Durandal smiled as they watched, their eyes filled with undisguised envy.

The former is past that age, and besides, her parents' attitudes have been strangely perplexing since she recently returned home. The latter lost her mother's love at a very young age and now has no memory of her, only able to imagine it from scratch.

Cocolia looked up, and perhaps because she had just been playing with her daughter, the sharpness and pressure in her eyes had lessened, replaced by a gentler look. She said:

"You've come all this way, surely it's not just a simple visit to a friend? I can tell you have something to say, so be concise and don't delay dinner later."

"You have such keen insight, Lady Cocolia."

"What? You didn't just come to see me?"

Anna pouted, clearly unhappy, Durandal gave her friend an apologetic look.

Then, Durandal looked solemnly at Cocolia and said:

"I bring you greetings from Archbishop Yae Sakura. She wishes you good health and your daughters health and happiness. Also, regarding the Teyvat matter, although it's not a crisis that urgently needs to be resolved, it is, after all, the first formal contact incident with an extraterrestrial civilization... Sakura-sama's idea is that we might select or create an island to serve as the Teyvat people's embassy."

She would like you to consider whether to place this island in the Eastern or Western Hemisphere. Also, diplomatic missions are usually reciprocal; Teyvat has a presence on Earth, and we should have one in Teyvat as well, so please consider the relevant arrangements, such as the ratio of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy members."

"Tsk! Why are you asking me about this kind of problem?"

"Because Sakura-sama said that among the Anti-Entropy, only Cocolia- sama has such foresight and skill. Most of the remaining executors are scientists, while Mr. Welt is more like your assistant."

Durandal was completely unaware that she was part of the other organization. Her words were exceptionally straightforward, but they were indeed without malice—or rather, malice seemed to be a difficult-to-achieve advanced function for a pure-blooded Kaslana like her.

But there's nothing wrong with that statement.

As we all know, the current leader of Anti-Entropy is Cocolia, and the future leader will most likely be the grown-up Ninti.

As for Welt, everyone knows he's a good person, but he's just not the right fit, that's all.

Cocolia seemed to ponder for a moment, but in reality, she already had the answer. She said to Anna:

"Tomorrow, take her to see Chen Tianwu."

"Ah?"

"Ninti is Welt's successor. I brought her into this world, and no one knows her gentleness and responsibility better than me. As for Chen Tianwu, he is quick-witted, intelligent, and composed. He is worldly-wise but not cynical, and he will be my successor sooner or later."

Cocolia lowered her eyes, stroking the gentle, adorable children, her bright, clear eyes shimmering with a warm, tender light. She sighed:

"In my life... I've done some things, but I've also committed countless sins, my hands stained with blood. Once I've done what I should do, I should obediently step down and stop being an eyesore to the gods in heaven. You know, I still owe her something."

"Anti-Entropy is mine now, but ultimately it belongs to you young people. Teyvat is a matter of the future; leave it to you young people to handle. Whether you choose amicable and selfless coexistence, or to employ ruthless and domineering tactics, the decision is yours."

"Lord Cocolia..."×2

As times changed and the old was passed on to the new, the two people opposite them read many complex meanings on Cocolia's face and were deeply moved.

Chapter Seven: Whose Successor?

Anna's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Wait, am I then the successor to Lady Kuerla, Lady Cocolia?"

Why do you think that?

"Because in the previous generation, it was you, Lord Kuerla, and Lord Welt who supported Anti-Entropy. Everyone called you the Golden Iron Triangle! And I, like Lord Kuerla, am the captain of the Iron Pilot Corps. When the time comes, won't Ninti, Chen Tianwu, and I be the future Golden Triangle?"

"Whatever makes you happy."

After her initial shock, Cocolia looked at Anna with kind and tolerant eyes.

Anna grinned, put her hands on her hips and chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she drifted off into daydreams about the future.

Saniyat's parents, look! I'll be an enforcer of Anti-Entropy in the future! Aren't I bringing honor to our family? You must be so proud of me!

'Whether I'm arrogant or not, I don't know, but it's better than becoming a Herrscher of Ice core.'

That's true.

Thinking of this, Cocolia's eyes softened genuinely.

Anna and Chen Tianwu, at least these two original Herrscher have been saved. After the issuance of the Power Herrscher Decree, they will be two complete Herrscher who are absolutely loyal to the Anqi Faction. This is truly a win-win situation.

"Lord Cocolia!"

"Yes, yes, that's amazing, you're great."

Cocolia reluctantly raised her hand and gently stroked Anna's head, satisfying the silly girl's eager desire for praise.

'Does anyone still remember that the Saniyat family was originally renowned for producing goddesses of Schicksal, and should have sworn to be loyal to the Archbishop to the death?'

Rita, who was passing by while carrying dishes, sighed inwardly.

However, seeing Durandal's pleased expression and happiness for Anna, Rita had nothing more to say. Saniyat had no objections, Kaslana had no objections, so why should she, Losweiser, be a spoilsport?

Let's wait until I'm fortunate enough to call myself Kaslana before talking about this kind of thing.

"Lady Cocolia, Lady Durandal, Lady Anna, and all the young ladies, dinner is ready."

Rita came over with a smile to greet them.

At the dining table, Xing had already found a seat, resting her chin on her hands, swinging her slender legs, and looking at everyone impatiently.

"Let's go, time to eat!"

"Oh~~" ×3

Cocolia stood up with a smile, put her arms around the three little ones, and strode over.

"The heir? Is that how Lady Cocolia describes me?"

In the conference room, Chen Tianwu scratched his face and couldn't help but grin.

Cocolia is the savior of the brother and sister and also the adoptive mother of Tianwen.

So although she doesn't call her "Mom" verbally, Cocolia doesn't have any intention of having another son, to Chen Tianwu, Cocolia's current status is equivalent to that of a mother worthy of respect and loyalty.

Being given such high praise as a successor by such a respected person, even though Chen Tianwu has made great progress recently and is already a rising star in internal affairs within Anti-Entropy, still makes it difficult for him to suppress his ecstatic joy.

"Also, Lady Cocolia patted my head and praised me for the first time~~"

"Really? Congratulations, Anna. I guess everyone secretly wants someone to pat them on the head and praise them."

"Yeah?"

Anna tilted her head, still retaining her initial innocence. Or perhaps, in the healthy workplace environment created by Cocolia, she was even more innocent than before.

But Chen Tianwu, through various business dealings, unknowingly evolved into a mature individual, and at this moment, he remarked with some emotion:

"So you militants can just charge forward without any distractions, but someone like me who deals with internal affairs has to deal with a lot of complicated things."

"What's the meaning?"

"But isn't the purpose of the rear guard precisely so that soldiers can fight without any burden? It's a pity that my mecha talent is ultimately not as good as my internal affairs talent. I really want to join the Iron Pilot Corps!"

"Who told Lady Cocolia to think you're more suited to be a manager? Hahaha!"

Anna smiled with relief at Chen Tianwu's resentment.

She had no desire to deal with those messy logistical matters.

Being a soldier is great. It's like being on a construction site, with every sword and brick you lay. Good is good, bad is bad. Everything is simple and clear.

Little did they know that Rita and Chen Tianwu exchanged a glance, the two seasoned veterans of the workplace reaching a silent understanding. That's just how the Kaslana bloodline is; even a slight taint renders them practically useless outside the battlefield.

Theresa was even one of the less affected types; at least she managed to run St. Freya Academy quite well without any major problems— the Far East Demon Cave was an unavoidable event, so there's no reason to blame Theresa for not trying.

"Sigh..." ×2